logo
Why you should consider taking Antarctica off your bucket list

Why you should consider taking Antarctica off your bucket list

Independent12 hours ago
The number of tourists heading to Antarctica has been skyrocketing.
From fewer than 8,000 a year about three decades ago, nearly 125,000 tourists flocked to the icy continent in 2023–24. The trend is likely to continue in the long term.
Unchecked tourism growth in Antarctica risks undermining the very environment that draws visitors. This would be bad for operators and tourists. It would also be bad for Antarctica – and the planet.
Over the past two weeks, the nations that decide what human activities are permitted in Antarctica have convened in Italy. The meeting incorporates discussions by a special working group that aims to address tourism issues.
It's not easy to manage tourist visitors to a continent beyond any one country's control.
So, how do we stop Antarctica being loved to death? The answer may lie in economics.
Future visitor trends
We recently modelled future visitor trends in Antarctica. A conservative scenario shows by 2033–34, visitor numbers could reach around 285,000. Under the least conservative scenario, numbers could reach 450,000 – however, this figure incorporates pent-up demand from Covid shutdowns that will likely diminish.
The vast majority of the Antarctic tourism industry comprises cruise-ship tourism in the Antarctic Peninsula. A small percentage of visitors travel to the Ross Sea region and parts of the continent's interior.
Antarctic tourism is managed by an international set of agreements together known as the Antarctic Treaty System, as well as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
The Treaty System is notoriously slow-moving and riven by geopolitics, and IAATO does not have the power to cap visitor numbers.
Pressure on a fragile continent
About two-thirds of Antarctic tourists land on the continent. The visitors can threaten fragile ecosystems by:
compacting soils
trampling fragile vegetation
introducing non-native microbes and plant species
disturbing breeding colonies of birds and seals.
Even when cruise ships don't dock, they can cause problems such as air, water and noise pollution – as well as anchoring that can damage the seabed.
Then there's carbon emissions. Each cruise ship traveller to Antarctica typically produces between 3.2 and 4.1 tonnes of carbon, not including travel to the port of departure. This is similar to the carbon emissions an average person produces in a year.
Global warming caused by carbon emissions is damaging Antarctica. At the Peninsula region, glaciers and ice shelves are retreating and sea ice is shrinking, affecting wildlife and vegetation.
Of course, Antarctic tourism represents only a tiny fraction of overall emissions. However, the industry has a moral obligation to protect the place that maintains it. And tourism in Antarctica can compound damage from climate change, tipping delicate ecosystems into decline.
Some operators use hybrid ships and less polluting fuels, and offset emissions to offer carbon-neutral travel.
IAATO has pledged to halve emissions by 2050 – a positive step, but far short of the net-zero targets set by the International Maritime Organization.
Can economics protect Antarctica?
Market-based tools – such as taxes, cap-and-trade schemes and certification – have been used in environmental management around the world. Research shows these tools could also prevent Antarctic tourist numbers from getting out of control.
One option is requiring visitors to pay a tourism tax. This would help raise revenue to support environmental monitoring and enforcement in Antarctica, as well as fund research.
Such a tax already exists in the small South Asian nation of Bhutan, where each tourist pays a tax of US$100 (A$152) a night. But while a tax might deter the budget-conscious, it probably wouldn't deter high income, experience-driven tourists.
Alternatively, a cap-and-trade system would create a limited number of Antarctica visitor permits for a fixed period. The initial distribution of permits could be among tourism operators or countries, via negotiation, auction or lottery. Unused permits could then be sold, making them quite valuable.
Caps have been successful at managing tourism impacts elsewhere, such as Lord Howe Island, although there are no trades allowed in that system.
Any cap on tourist numbers in Antarctica, and rules for trading, must be based on evidence about what the environment can handle. But there is a lack of precise data on Antarctica's carrying capacity. And permit allocations amongst the operators and nations would need to be fair and inclusive.
Alternatively, existing industry standards could be augmented with independent schemes certifying particular practices – for example, reducing carbon footprints. This could be backed by robust monitoring and enforcement to avoid greenwashing.
Looking ahead
Given the complexities of Antarctic governance, our research finds that the most workable solution is a combination of these market-based options, alongside other regulatory measures.
So far, parties to the Antarctic treaty have made very few binding rules for the tourism industry. And some market-based levers will be more acceptable to the parties than others. But doing nothing is not a solution.
Darla Hatton MacDonald is a Professor of Environmental Economics at the University of Tasmania. Elizabeth Leane is a Professor of Antarctic Studies at the School of Humanities, University of Tasmania.
The authors would like to acknowledge Valeria Senigaglia, Natalie Stoeckl and Jing Tian and the rest of the team for their contributions to the research upon which this article was based.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Stunning Scottish beach that's like a ‘tropical untouched paradise' named among best in the world
Stunning Scottish beach that's like a ‘tropical untouched paradise' named among best in the world

The Sun

time5 hours ago

  • The Sun

Stunning Scottish beach that's like a ‘tropical untouched paradise' named among best in the world

A SCOTTISH beach has been crowned as one of the best in the world, new research reveals. West Beach, in the Outer Hebrides, makes the top 25, alongside breathtaking locations including Australia's The Pass and Ao Maya in Thailand. 7 7 7 Situated off the northwest coast of Scotland, the seaside spot sits on the longest archipelago in the British Isles. Award-winning travel publisher Lonely Planet, which compiled the league table, hailed West Beach as an "untouched paradise". The stunning shoreline stretches for three miles and is a hit with locals and tourists alike. One visitor gushed: "It feels like a tropical paradise and shows that there are gorgeous getaways right on your doorstep. "The sand is white and the waters are blue, it's the perfect spot to catch a tan on a sunny day." And to cool off from the rays, brave swimmers can take a dip in the chilly waters, which rarely get above 13C. For visitors who don't like sand between their toes, the seaside spot boasts grassy dunes perfect for bird-watchers or hikers who are keen to take in the jaw-dropping views. The beach is stunning all year round, however, it's been suggested that spring is the best time to visit due to the "burst of colour" from the abundance of wildflowers. The beauty spot has good transport links to the mainland with a regular ferry service running from Oban. There are also flights from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Southampton to Stornoway Airport in Lewis. WORLD'S BEST BEACHES Source: Lonely Planet The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI, Canada Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines Plage de Ta'ahiamanu, Mo'orea, French Polynesia Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France Gardner Bay, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic It's advisable to rent a car to fully explore the island and the ferry should be booked in advance. West Beach bagged 12th place on the Lonely Planet chart, The Pass, Australia, Ipanema Beach, Brazil and Ao Maya, Thailand, respectively scooped first, second and third spots. 7 7 7

Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship
Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship

Telegraph

time6 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship

When Silversea launched in 1994, it brought unprecedented luxury and a true all-inclusive offering to cruise passengers. It was the first to include alcohol in the fare, introduce suite butlers and offer a complimentary in-room mini-bar. Three decades on, the line continues to meet the exacting standards demanded by its loyal clientele. The brand doesn't try to 'be' anything other than a luxurious hotel at sea offering grade-A service. Carpets bounce, décor is quietly elegant and easy-on-the-eye, and guest rooms have pillow menus, marble bathrooms, rain showers and walk-in wardrobes. Newer ships have ushered in a contemporary feel, with relaxed al-fresco dining areas and lots of exterior glass designed to let the ocean in. It's an 'all-suite' line, which means every guest room has a window-facing lounge area that can be partitioned off from the bedroom. Although it typically attracts an older demographic, Silversea doesn't rest on its laurels, and is constantly reinventing its shore experiences, dining offerings and destination portfolio. In the 2026-7 season, passengers can choose from 230 new cruises. Last year, the line announced plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Chilean city of Puerto Williams to accommodate guests transiting to Antarctica. Rooms will have views across the Beagle Channel to the snow-capped Patagonian mountains. A focus on quality ingredients and non-buffet dining has been a mainstay for the line. Foodies will appreciate the well-executed Salt (sea and land taste) food programme that explores a destination through food-focused excursions and interactive open-kitchen dinners on board. These are sometimes led by an accomplished local chef. The cruise fare includes 24-hour butler-in-tux service for every guest; round-the-clock in-suite dining; premium drinks in suite and throughout the ship; and private transfers and flights. There is a supplement for certain restaurants. Beyond that are three fare types: door to door (everything is included and transport organised from the minute you close the front door); port to port (transfers and air fare aren't included), and essential (transfers, air fare and excursions aren't included). Silversea's fleet consists of 12 ships, six of which have joined since 2020. Four are expedition vessels, including a ship that sails solely in the Galapagos. Headquartered in Miami, Silversea is one of five brands owned by the Royal Caribbean Group. 1. Where does Silversea cruise? Worldwide, including all seven continents. The 2026/2027 cruise portfolio features 131 expedition voyages, while ocean ships will visit more than 85 countries. A handful of cruises sail the British Isles from Portsmouth and Southampton in the spring, and there are cruises from Southampton and Belfast to Copenhagen in June. Expedition cruises visit some of the world's most remote regions, including the Arctic and Greenland, the Antarctic, South America, French Polynesia and the Pacific, the Galapagos and the Kimberley in north-west Australia. Each January, passengers can join a world cruise – which can be taken in its entirety or in sections. In 2028, a 132-day cruise from Miami to Nice will visit 58 destinations on five continents. For those who prefer to cross the Atlantic by ship, rather than plane, Silversea has 'transoceanic' crossings from Southampton and Belfast to New York, and from Lisbon to Barbados. Itineraries often dovetail with festivals, high-profile sporting events and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossom season in Japan, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco. 2. Who does Silversea appeal to? With a high proportion of longer cruises and the inclusion of big-ticket events, Silversea appeals to a well-heeled, largely American crowd that favours 'enrichment' (learning experiences) – and that wants to travel in comfort. Every effort goes into ensuring that passengers get the best experience from the destinations they're visiting – whether that's at a fine-dining experience onboard or during a shore experience. Although the demographic is generally older, and there are no children's clubs on board, families are welcome too. The minimum age for children on ocean-going ships is six months. The following age limits also apply: 12 months on Silver Cloud; five years on Silver Origin. Children younger than five cannot board zodiacs on Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Under-18s must be accompanied in the same or connecting suite by a parent or responsible adult aged 21-plus. Solo travellers pay 25 per cent of the full fare on selected voyages. An October cruise to Antarctica costs £11,150 instead of £12,900, and a Bridgetown to Lisbon cruise costs £3,150, down from £4,900. 3. Silversea's fleet Ocean Silver Ray (728 passengers) Launched in 2024, Ray is the identical sister ship to Silver Nova. The 13 room categories include new, corner master suites with 270-degree views. There are eight restaurants, four bars and lounges, an Otium Spa, plus a sea-facing gym and beauty salon. Powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), Silver Ray is the most energy-efficient ship in the fleet. She has plug-in capability and is hydrogen fuel-cell ready. Silver Nova (728 passengers) Launched in 2023, Nova introduced the 'Nova' class of ship, featuring an asymmetrical design aimed at connecting guests with the water, wherever they are on board. It also introduced a buzzing all-day dining hangout, The Marquee. The deck 10 pool has 'floating' cabanas and a decent swimming length. Corner Otium Suites feature a private Jacuzzi and 270-degree views. Silver Dawn (596 passengers) Silver Dawn launched in 2022 and was the first to feature the brand's top-tier Otium spa. Otium wellness services are also available in-suite – that could be a massage, butler-drawn bath or a 'food and chill' evening. Silver Muse and Silver Moon (596 passengers) Built in 2020, Moon introduced Silversea's immersive culinary programme, Salt. Three dedicated venues include the Salt Kitchen, Salt Lab and Salt Bar, where dinners, demonstrations and drinks are tailored to regionally inspired menus. A signature French restaurant, the Japanese Kaiseki and Asian-inspired Indochine are among the eight restaurants. Built in 2017, Silver Muse shares the same restaurants as Moon, and both ships have the Zagara spa and beauty salon and a casino. Shows and films are held in the Venetian Lounge. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (392 passengers) The décor and layout of these two ships is classic rather than stylish. However, both offer a more intimate atmosphere and the same attention to detail when it comes to dining and service. Both ships have four restaurants, a show lounge, a card room, a library and a spa. Whisper was built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2024; Shadow was built in 2000 and last refurbished in 2019. Silver Spirit (608 passengers) Silver Spirit made headlines in 2018 when she was 'stretched' at a shipyard in Palermo. She left the yard 49ft longer, following a complex lengthening and extensive refurbishment. The result was roomier public areas and suites, an enlarged pool deck and a refreshed dining offering. The ship has an Arts Café, Observation Library, Zagara Spa and the chic Dolce Vita lounge. Expedition Silver Endeavour (220 passengers) Purpose-built for the polar regions, Silver Endeavour launched in 2022. She carries kayaks, zodiacs and a remote camera system that can capture high-quality images from over three miles away. Spread over eight decks, the all-suite ship has multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a spa; a two-storey solarium with a pool and whirlpool; and several indoor and outdoor observation areas. Silver Wind (274 passengers) Refurbished in 2021 with an ice-strengthened hull, Silver Wind is a crossover ship, visiting polar and non-polar destinations. The nine-deck ship carries 24 zodiacs and has a show lounge, fitness centre and spa, observation library and jogging track. Her décor is more traditional. Silver Cloud (254 passengers on non-polar cruises; 200 in polar regions) Silver Cloud underwent a $40 million refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class ship in 2017. She carries 20 zodiacs and 10 kayaks and sails with a large team of expedition experts. The ship has four restaurants and a photo studio, and photography masterclasses are offered. Silver Origin (100 passengers) A stylish ship with sleek yacht lines, Origin was built for the Galápagos. Passengers travel with a team of Ecuadorian guides and a fleet of eight zodiacs. All suites have balconies and butler service, and an in-suite water purification system. The meeting point for zodiacs, the 'Basecamp', doubles as an information source for the islands. 4. Loyalty scheme Membership of the Venetian Society commences with the first voyage. Members accumulate Venetian Society Days on each voyage (one VS day per day sailed). 5. Access for guests with disabilities Suites can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other equipment. Dining and bar venues and other public areas offer wheelchair seating. Wheelchair accessible excursions are offered mainly in Europe and the US, and low-activity tours are available at almost every port. The 'View Deck Plan' tab on each ship page indicates accessible suites (

American tourists on holiday in Rome discover 'genius' invention - but it leaves Europeans reeling
American tourists on holiday in Rome discover 'genius' invention - but it leaves Europeans reeling

Daily Mail​

time6 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

American tourists on holiday in Rome discover 'genius' invention - but it leaves Europeans reeling

A group of American tourists on holiday in Rome have gone viral after praising a European invention as 'genius' - only to discover that locals can't stand it. TikTok user Mallory Burford, whose account has racked up more than 1.5 million likes, shared a video showing the moment she and her friends came across the now-controversial tethered bottle cap. In the clip, Mallory unscrews the top of a plastic water bottle and exclaims: 'One thing that has surprised us about Europe is the caps don't come off, so you don't lose it.' The bottle in question features a tethered lid - a design where the cap remains attached to the bottle after opening, rather than being completely removable. As her friend leans in to add: 'Literally genius', Mallory turns to the camera and urges her home nation to catch up, exclaiming: 'Come on America!' But while the group is clearly impressed, Europeans were quick to shoot down the enthusiasm. The video's comments section quickly filled with unimpressed locals pointing out that the design is not as beloved as the tourists might think. 'We actually hate it in Europe' wrote one person - a remark that received more than 60,000 likes. Another agreed: 'Nobody in Europe likes it. Not a single person.' Someone else chimed in with: 'It's one of the most annoying things in Europe.' And one unimpressed commenter said: 'Dude. It's about the environment, not helping stone heads not lose their caps.' Another simply declared: 'WE HATE IT'. The tethered cap design was introduced following a 2019 European Union directive aimed at tackling plastic pollution. From 3 July 2024, all non-returnable plastic drinks bottles with a capacity of up to three litres must have caps that remain attached after opening. The reasoning behind the rule is environmental. With around 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year, the EU hopes the tethered caps will reduce litter and prevent plastic tops from ending up in the oceans or scattered across landscapes. Unlike other materials, plastic never fully breaks down. Instead, it disintegrates into smaller and smaller particles, known as microplastics, which can contaminate soil and water. These microplastics can then enter the food chain, and have been linked to serious health concerns including endocrine disruption and even cancer. While the rule is aimed at reducing waste, it hasn't gone down well with many consumers, particularly in the UK, where social media erupted with complaints when the tethered caps began appearing on supermarket shelves. Not everyone is against the idea, though. One defender wrote under Mallory's post: 'The people that find them annoying don't have the cognitive ability to rotate the bottle so the cap isn't in the way.' Still, it seems the verdict in Europe is clear, no matter how 'genius' Americans think it is. Although Mallory and her friends were impressed by what they deem to be an intuitive design, their fellow Americans have a reputation for being shocked by seemingly trivial features of UK life. An American woman recently revealed the one everyday British word that's so offensive in the United States, she claims she wouldn't even dare say it aloud. Amber Kacherian, a popular TikToker with nearly a million followers, has been visiting the UK and regularly posts about her culture shock experiences, from slang to baffling food labels. The word in question is a British slang term for a cigarette - fag - a word which, in the US, is exclusively used as a slur against gay people. Brits flocked to the comments to share their disgust at the design, which is relatively new to the UK 'I can't even say the word on here or I'll get cancelled,' says Amber. 'Let's just say it's a horribly offensive slur that you will never, ever hear come out of my mouth. 'It's 'flag', but without the L. But please don't ever say that word in America. Probably just don't ever say it anywhere, ever, just to be safe.' Amber explains how she discovered that the word is also used in Britain to describe a variety of meatball, thanks to faggots, a famous UK meat product. Filming herself in front of an image of the packaging of Mr Brain's Six Pork Faggots, she asks her UK followers: 'For my friends in the UK, my question is: what is the fascination with this word? Why does everyone love using this word? 'Does it mean something else in the UK? In America you cannot say this word ever, but in the UK they're just casually throwing it on packages of meatballs.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store